ONE GIANT LEAP When Humans First Set Foot on the Moon
In 1961, the Cold War was ramping up, and the U.S. was behind the Soviets in developing a space program. President Kennedy announced what is now known as a moonshot — by 1970, he declared, America would put a man on the moon. Soon, NASA was preparing to meet that audacious goal. The Apollo program combined the best minds at NASA, but the work was new and incredibly dangerous. Dozens of workers died in various accidents, the most famous of which occurred in 1967 when a fire killed three astronauts. But the program persevered, launching many spacecraft into orbit for testing. By 1969, NASA announced they were ready to complete the impossible, and Apollo 11 launched on July 16. When millions of Americans tuned in to watch, many did not realize how treacherous the mission was. The government was probably most concerned about the possibility that the spacecraft would not be able to launch from the moon’s surface, preventing the astronauts from returning to Earth. There was enough reason to worry that President Nixon had a speech on standby in case the astronauts were permanently stranded.
The men aboard Apollo 11 faced many perilous moments throughout their journey — but thankfully, the worst did not come to pass. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon’s surface, followed by Edwin“Buzz”Aldrin. An estimated 600 million people across the globe watched the triumphant moment at home. The two trailblazers frolicked on the moon’s surface, took pictures, collected samples, and planted flags that remain to this day.
The feat was so impressive that up to 20% of Americans today think it never happened. The conspiracy theories have been debunked countless times, and many people don’t realize that the moon landing was not a one-time event. An additional five missions sent astronauts to the lunar surface, with the last one launching in 1972. Only 12 humans have ever set foot on the moon, all white American men.
NASA’s new Artemis mission intends to change that by completing a new moon landing by 2024, with the first woman and person of color on board. As we look back on this month's history, it's strange to think that it may not be long before we all return our eyes to the sky in wonder, watching astronauts make one giant leap for humankind.
A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee
Let’s Talk Toothpaste!
All of our days start and end with toothpaste because it’s an integral part of our oral hygiene routines. Toothpaste helps to clean and strengthen our teeth while assisting our toothbrushes in removing food debris and plaque from both our teeth and gums while brushing. While toothpastes come in paste, gel, and even powder form, have you ever wondered what ingredients they all share? All toothpastes include: • A mild abrasive to help remove surface stains and debris • Flavoring agents that do not contain sugar or promote tooth decay to give it that minty fresh flavor • Humectants to prevent moisture loss and keep the toothpaste from becoming gummy in texture • Detergent to promote a foaming action and spread the toothpaste throughout your whole mouth while cleaning • Thickening agents (binders) to stabilize the special paste formula Toothpastes all have the same ingredients listed above, but each contains additional ingredients for extra benefits. While standing in
the dental aisle, here are some things to look for when picking out your toothpaste. • The ADA Seal of Acceptance is important when selecting a toothpaste, as it assures you that the toothpaste meets ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness. • Fluoride is a natural ingredient that helps fight decay and cavities by strengthening your tooth enamel. (Note: Not all toothpastes contain fluoride.) • Many toothpastes contain certain agents to prevent plaque and gingivitis. • Certain toothpastes will also contain whitening ingredients to polish your teeth while removing surface stains. • Some toothpastes will even contain ingredients to help desensitize your teeth if you have especially sensitive teeth. Who knew that so much goes into that one little tube of toothpaste? For any questions about selecting a toothpaste, call our office today! We can offer some great recommendations!
–Cheyenne & Ashlee Registered Dental Hygienists
2 | Elkins Dental
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